Take advantage of colorful design this year

22Jul

Take advantage of colorful design this year

July 22, 2013

It's not too late to take advantage of 2013's design trends. This year has been marked by a move away from plain, bland design and a greater emphasis on saturated color schemes, fun and graceful patterns, and sophisticated designs that combine vintage and modern elements. The shift towards brighter, richer colors is one of the most notable�trends. Here are just a few of the elements that designers are in love with this year.

The brighter, the better As video technology gives us higher-definition screens and�vibrant colors in our television and movies, more people are also eager to see brighter hues in the rest of their home. Even a pop of color in a rug or roman shades can provide energy and interest.

One brilliant shade you can take advantage of is Pantone's color of the year, 17-5641 - also known as emerald green. This rich, beautiful color works well both in large amounts and as an accent. Try pairing emerald or other bright greens, such as chartreuse, with neutral colors like black and white. Black furniture with a white bedspread and�matching�window treatments, for example, look clean and elegant against bright green walls.

Stripes are also big, and provide a great opportunity to work in some extra color.

Bold as brass Brass is currently a popular choice with many designers, who love the metal for its warmth and versatility. When polished, it goes particularly well with bright colors, while the patina it acquires with age has a sophisticated elegance, making it a good choice for both modern and traditional spaces.

Just as brass combines well with many other elements, it can also be used in many different ways: In purely decorative items, for example, or in light fixtures or the curtain rods for hanging drapes or roller shades.

Bring the outside in A patio or garden space can make a home feel much larger and provide a natural source of rich color. Even if you can't make a true outdoor room, however, there are ways to capture the vibrancy of nature inside. Cellular shades and sheer curtains allow you to cover your windows while still letting natural light and color filter inside.

Furthermore, filtered light is a subtle way to improve a room's atmosphere, as design blogger Lisa Borgnes Giramonti of A Bloomsbury Life pointed out. The gentle appearance of filtered light creates a sense of softness and emotion.